Yamaha R6 Vs R7

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The R6 and R7 are two powerful and popular motorcycles produced by the legendary manufacturer, Yamaha. So, how do they stack up against each other?

In terms of power, up to 9500 rpm, the new Yamaha R7 absolutely beats the highly-strung R6. The R7 is also equipped with a narrow, robust steel frame comparable to the MT-07. The R6 used to come with a tried-and-true twin-spar frame. However, people's love for the R6 might sway their decision.

Deciding which motorcycle is right for you out of the R6 and R7 can be difficult, especially when you're not aware of what each model has to offer. Both these rides fall in the middleweight category and have similar engine displacement. However, there are some features that differentiate the two.

As motorcycle enthusiasts, we understand the prowess of the two rides. Moreover, we have also tested the R6 and R7 to determine the ride quality, comfort, and maneuverability of these motorcycles. This has allowed us to create this comprehensive Yamaha R6 vs. R7 review. It will help you determine whether you should go for the R6 or the R7.

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Yamaha R6

The Yamaha YZF-R6 is among the most sophisticated supersport motorcycles ever made, whether on the racetrack or on the street. With a top-of-the-line chassis, ABS brakes, and a full system of digital rider aids, the aerodynamic MotoGP style wraps off an exceptionally intelligent road bike.

The Yamaha YZF-R6 supersport motorcycle has earned more AMA middleweight events and titles than just about any other 600cc sportbike, making it the top choice for both novice and experienced racers. The Yamaha R6 rushes across the beginning and end line ahead of the curve, thanks to an astounding, high-revving engine with stability control and D-Mode that allow the rider to squeeze even more efficiency from the strong engine.

With the D-Mode, you can choose the right engine character depending on your preferences and riding situation. There are three throttle valve control options: Standard Mode, A mode, and B mode. These modes are used to change the throttle response with the push of a button.

The YZF-R6 is equipped with Yamaha's Chip Controlled Intake, which digitally adjusts the functional intake tract height to provide the advantage of both shorter and higher intake stacking in a single engine. A small six-speed gearbox with a close ratio gives continuous power and maximum force to match the engine output.

The flat-four is mated to a six-speed engine and is housed in an aluminum Delta box twin-spar structure. Suspenders on the R6 are made up of a three-way changeable twisted 43mm KYB fork in front and a variable KYB mono-shock in the rear. The seating height on the motorcycle is 33.5 inches. Matte Gray, Intense white or silver, and Yamaha Blue are the three colors offered on the R6.

Moreover, the Slipper-type rear torque-limiting clutch minimizes engine stalling and facilitates vigorous downshifting from high speeds. Finally, the YZF-R6 has a sleek silhouette that represents Yamaha's R-series style in the next iteration. The R6 is contemporary and aggressive, and it sticks out against anything else on the street or track.

The smoothly flowing front head and chassis produce the best aerodynamics of any commercial Yamaha bike in history, allowing for faster top speeds on the track. The front LED turning signals are incorporated into the mirrors for a more streamlined appearance, while the back LED tail light is compact to compliment the thin tail unit.

Yamaha R7

The YZF-R7 is developed to be a supersport vehicle that riders of all skill levels can fully exploit, and it combines slashing supersport style with top-notch performance.

The major characteristics include a compact frame adjusted for well-balanced stiffness and a simple CP2 engine that provides a thrilling and lively ride. The bike features a dynamic riding position and appearance that is reminiscent of the R-Series.

You can enjoy riding in a variety of environments, including metropolitan areas, motorways, and curvy roads, as well as track days at courses, thanks to the R7's incredible suspension.  The YZF-tiny R7's engine has low rotational inertia and provides noticeable benefits, especially when turning and changing leaning directions. The tiny frontal projection also aids in lowering air resistance.

The R7 boasts a 689cc parallel-twin CP2 engine, which was present in Yamaha's MT and Ténéré 700, making this one of the most adaptable and enjoyable modern power plants. This engine became a worldwide favorite thanks to its snappy yet tractable nature, which is evident in the R7.

The engine, which produces 73.4 PS at 8750 rpm, provides exciting speed and fast throttle response. Its 270-degree crank assures an irregular firing interval as the rpm rise, resulting in a dynamic and exhilarating feel—yet its linear torque production allows you to lay down the power smartly for faster cornering.

The R7 is the very first CP2-powered Yamaha to feature an Assist & Slipper clutch, which provides smoother gear changing and minimizes engine over-rev and rear wheel hopping during severe braking, resulting in more stable cornering. In addition, the A&S clutch has a much smoother feel at the lever.

The R7's clip-on bars and footrests, along with the solo-style saddle, produce a sporty seating position for track and road use, which is important for the bike's aesthetics and cornering grip. Deep tank top indents allow you to snuggle in close to the motorcycle for less drag, as well as provide additional support and stability when braking and turning.

Moreover, the R7 retains the classic R-Series features present in R1, such as the profile created mostly by horizontal lines, dynamic fairings, an M-shaped airflow duct, and twin-eye lighting. In the center of the M-shaped inlet duct, a single LED light is used as a headlamp.

On racecourses and tight roads, the KYB 41 mm upside-down front forks provide a rooted feeling. This high-spec front end provides exceptional maneuverability and precision, with full adjustment for preload, rebounding, and compression dampening, as well as a pressure cast top triple clamp and welded aluminum bottom triple clamp.

The R7 doesn't offer any riding modes or traction control, which is a bit disappointing, considering it is the latest model in the R-series. However, the single riding model is able to deliver a soft throttle input to keep more experienced riders safe under different conditions.

Opting for the additional Quick Shift System when ordering your R7 from the Yamaha distributor is among the most effective methods to modify your ride for even quicker acceleration. The QSS permits flawless full-throttle upshifts for improved performance on the road and track by temporarily reducing power to the transmission when shifting up.

Differences between the Yamaha R6 and R7

There are quite a number of variations among the Yamaha R7 and the old-school, legendary R6. The engine, lighting, chassis, and overall performances of both these supersport bikes are assessed thoroughly below:

Engine

The engine is by far the most noticeable difference between the Yamaha YZF-R6 and the YZF-R7. The R6 boasts a straight four-cylinder engine with a massive burst of torque at the upper end and a redline well above 15,000 rpm. To get the most from the peak torque, you will have to keep it roaring above 9,000 rpm for the entire time. When traveling, for instance, torque down low is like cruising a fighter jet, which is a long cry from what the motorcycle is competent of.

The R6 produces 110 horsepower at 14900 rpm and 43 ft of torque at 11000 rpm. To begin moving, many sport motorcycles demand a lot of rpm, but the R6 is an exception. Many competitive 600s can drive comfortably from 6000 rpm and start picking up at 8000-9000 rpm, but the R6 requires you to maintain it above 9000 rpm if you need to go anywhere quickly.

In comparison, the newest Yamaha YZF-R7, like the MT-07 to which it shares an engine, delivers only 70 horsepower at the tires. While the R7 has roughly 40 horsepower less than the Yamaha R6, it outperforms it in terms of torque, delivering around 48 feet at only 6500 rpm.

Up to 9500 rpm, the new Yamaha R7 absolutely beats the highly-strung R6. At 7000 rpm, the R7 produces more than 20 horsepower, almost half as much as the R6. The YZF-R7 produces double the torque of the R6 at 3000 and 4000 rpm, which is amazing.

The engines' personalities are also quite varied. The CP2 engine of the Yamaha R7 is a noisy twin with a lumpy tone that sounds like a V-twin, but it's a modernized one. It has a constant off-beat hum that can be turned into a loud howl with an aftermarket exhaust pipe.

The CP2 engine is well known for its dependability. The R6's inline-four, on the other hand, isn't notorious for being problematic. Yamaha claims that the CP2 is by far the most reliable motorcycle engine ever produced.

Chassis and Lighting

There is a difference between the R6 and R7 when it comes to the chassis. The R7 is equipped with a narrow, robust steel frame comparable to the MT-07. The R6, on the other hand, used to come with a tried-and-true twin-spar frame. With the twin LED projectors peeking out of the front fairing, the Yamaha YZF-R6 has an R1-like visage. The R7, on the other hand, has a built-in led light that is placed directly in the center of the air scoop.

The R7's compact profile is what sets it apart. To begin with, Yamaha designers were able to make the R7 as thin as possible by using the CP2 engine, which is one of the world's tiniest multi-cylinders engines. It isn't that the R6 isn't thin too, but with two additional cylinders and higher engine dimensions, it's a wide motorcycle.

Similarities between the Yamaha R6 and R7

In addition to the differences mentioned above, these bikes also have some attributes in common, which are a recognition of Yamaha and its top-notch quality that comes with every bike that it releases time and again. Let's have a look at some similarities between the R6 and R7 for further clarity.

First, the seating position is the most essential consideration. The YZF-R7 and YZF-R6 both offer an aggressive, head-down riding position that most riders will find unpleasant after more than half an hour on the road.

The second thing they share is that they're both light motorcycles with capable suspension and brakes. The YZF-R6 and R7 are both under 190 kilograms; however, the R7 is somewhat lighter. Both have infinitely adjustable front suspension and rear suspension, with the R6 having a more developed shock.

In conclusion, the new Yamaha YZF-R7 is not a suitable replacement to the legendary R6, which was regarded as a wet track addict's dream. On the plus side, owing to the rear foot pegs and clip-ons, this can be a fantastic alternative for riders wishing to improve their riding skills while enjoying the sensation of a real supersport with that dedicated seating position.

However, users who have been true R6 fans will continue searching for it and going after it no matter how many models Yamaha releases. Only a few rides can compete with the R6 in terms of reliability and power.

So if you are looking for a reliable and powerful motorcycle that will attract a lot of eyeballs when you go for a ride on it, then the R6 is the ideal option for you. It is an excellent bike for both beginners and expert riders. However, if you want a unique design and prefer excellent maneuverability, then it might be worth going for the R7 as the motorcycle excels in these areas.